Drawing curly hair can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and understanding, it can become a rewarding and creative endeavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of drawing curly hair.
Starting with the Basics
When drawing curly hair, it’s essential to begin with the overall shape and structure of the hair. Start by sketching the head and neck, including basic guidelines for the face such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. This foundation will help you place the hair correctly[1].
Next, outline the general shape of the hair, considering its length and style. This silhouette will guide you in determining where the curls will fall and how they will interact with the rest of the head[1].
Defining the Curls
To draw curls effectively, think of them as ribbons or spirals that start at the part and hang down. Imagine wrapping a package with ribbon and how the ribbon twists over itself. This concept helps in creating the front and back sections of each curl, where the front overlaps the back, making the back appear smaller and less curved[1].
Draw boundary lines for your curls to define their shape and size. These lines can be vertical and taper at the bottom, with the tightness of the curl depending on how far apart these lines are[2].
Shaping and Detailing the Curls
When shaping the curls, use thick sections of hair that are spaced well apart and slant them in one direction. The ends of the curls should taper to a point. For the back sections of the curl, draw similar-looking sections of hair connected to the ends of the front sections. Ensure the corners of the curls are rounded rather than sharp[2].
To add realism, vary the length of the curls. Hair near the top of the head tends to be straighter, while longer curls at the bottom are more defined. Longer curly hairstyles typically have more defined curls at the tips due to the weight of the hair[1].
Adding Strands and Shading
Once you have the basic curl shape, add individual strands of hair to both the front and back sections. Use the tip of your pencil to draw these strands, starting from the outside and flicking towards the center. This technique helps create a natural, layered look[2].
Shading is crucial for giving your curls depth and dimension. Start with a light layer of shading, using the flat side of your pencil to avoid scratchy lines. Shade one section of hair at a time, working from the outside in, and ensure the center of each curl is lighter to create a 3D effect. You can blend your shading using a soft tissue or blending stump to achieve a smooth transition between light and dark values[2].
Final Details and Touch-ups
After shading, add final details such as stray hairs to make your drawing look more natural. Use an even darker shade of pencil to add more depth to the shadows and enhance the overall texture of the hair. Remember to leave out highlights and blend them slightly with Q-tips if necessary[3].
Key Considerations
Reference and Observation: Always refer to a reference photo to understand the natural flow and texture of curly hair.
Layering: Curly hair is layered, so focus on several ringlets and imply a wavy texture behind them.
Movement and Volume: Curly hair has more body than straight hair, so ensure it lifts off the head and has consistent movement.
Shading and Highlights: Shading and highlighting are essential for creating depth and dimension. Use lighter shades in the center of curls and darker shades towards the edges.
Tools: Use a variety of pencils (HB, 3B, 6B, 9B) and tools like blending stumps and kneaded erasers to achieve different shades and textures.
Most Important Facts About Drawing Curly Hair
Start with the head and neck: Sketch the basic shape of the head and neck before drawing the hair[1].
Define the hair silhouette: Outline the general shape of the hair to determine its length and style[1].
Use boundary lines: Draw vertical lines to define the shape and size of the curls[2].
Think of curls as ribbons: Imagine curls as spirals or ribbons that twist over themselves[1].
Vary curl length: Longer curls at the bottom and shorter, straighter hair at the top[1].
Add individual strands: Use the tip of your pencil to draw strands of hair from the outside in[2].
Shade for depth: Use light to dark shading to create a 3D effect, blending for smooth transitions[2].
Include final details: Add stray hairs and adjust shading for a natural look[3].
Use appropriate tools: Utilize different pencils and blending tools to achieve various shades and textures[2][3].
